2013 Corvettes at Carlisle

We’ve just returned from the 2013 Corvettes at Carlisle show, which turned out to be one for the record books. As of noon on Saturday, roughly 2,700 Corvettes had passed through the gates of the Carlisle Fairgrounds, making this year’s show the largest since C@C’s inception in 1982. Whether you choose to attribute those numbers to a resurgent economy, Vette fans’ desire to finally see the new Stingray in person, or both, the record-breaking tally is an encouraging sign.

Even discounting the presence of the latest Vette (early-production examples of which were practically everywhere), Carlisle ’13 served up a bonanza of Corvette coolness drawn from every previous generation of the brand.

In recognition of its 50th anniversary, the ’63 Sting Ray received special attention at this year’s event, with 63 pristine examples of this seminal model on display in a dedicated area of the show field. In addition to this august group were a number of historically significant ’63s, including the Pininfarina-styled, steel-bodied Rondine concept and the mind-blowingly insane “Asteroid” Corvette, built by SoCal customizing legend George Barris. Look for feature articles on both of these notable one-offs in VETTE in the months ahead.

C4 devotees complain often (and rightly) about the lack of attention and respect their favored generation receives in Corvette circles, but Carlisle proved a striking exception to that rule. The always-excellent ZR1 Net Registry display was filled to bursting with prime specimens of the original Corvette supercar, including a ’91 Lingenfelter-tuned Z owned by Watergate-figure-turned-radio-personality G. Gordon Liddy (who was on site Friday and Saturday for autographs). The Grand Sport registry also turned out in force, with dozens of club members showing off their distinctively painted ’96 coupes and convertibles.

But perhaps the most exciting C4 development came with no advance warning, when Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller’s Callaway LM Agusta racer rolled off a transport truck near the fairgrounds entrance. Though the car’s engine tuning is still being sorted out, Miller told us he hopes to be vintage racing this onetime Le Mans GT2 pole-sitter in the not-too-distant future. Keep your fingers crossed for a Sebring ’14 debut.

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2013 Corvettes at Carlisle

Count ‘em—63 ‘63s, gathered as part of a special display honoring the first-year C2.

This Callaway/Agusta LM set the GT2 pole at Le Mans in 1995. Look for this sensational C4 on the vintage-racing circuit next year.

Here’s something we hadn’t seen previously: a C7 Stingray wearing vertical racing stripes. The car appeared in the Kerbeck Chevrolet display, alongside several other early-production C7s.

This C1 started out as a drag car but was ultimately converted into a standing-miler. Look for a feature on this 572-powered monster in the pages of VETTE.

The Rondine started life as a ’63 Sting Ray before being draped in stylish steel bodywork by Italian design house Pininfarina. The Rondine will also show up in VETTE in the months ahead.

Count ‘em—63 ‘63s, gathered as part of a special display honoring the first-year C2.

This ’63 convertible has been driven to each of the lower 48 states—as well as Canada—by its original owner. Today it shows 507,000 miles on the clock and is still exercised regularly.

The Chevy tent was abuzz all weekend, thanks in large part to the presence of several 2014 Stingrays.

If John Drahos’ first-gen looks like it sat in a barn for 30-odd years, that’s because it did. A custom engine-management computer and a one-off FI system make it an exceptional cruiser, if not a looker.

Unlike most Vetterods, this one combines a late-model powertrain with period-correct external and cabin treatments. We liked it so much, we shot it for a feature.

We’re still waiting for someone to stuff one of these in a split-window coupe or ’69 convertible. Any takers?

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